NEW YORK — The Dallas Stars recently faced a sanction from the National Hockey League, resulting in a $100,000 fine concerning an optional practice held during the mandatory Christmas break. This session took place the day after Christmas and involved several younger players, which is against the league’s collective bargaining agreement. Under this agreement, any type of on-ice activity or travel for games is strictly prohibited on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and the 26th.

Stars head coach Pete DeBoer mentioned before their first game back on Friday, following the three-day break, that he had been at the team’s practice facility on Thursday, immediately after the holiday. He noted they held an optional practice, admitting that the younger players were eager to take part. “Of course, the young guys all show up for the optionals, like they’re supposed to do,” DeBoer remarked.

Later, DeBoer reflected on the situation, acknowledging that he may have overstepped by organizing ice time for players during the holiday period. He clarified that the session should have been referred to as “voluntary ice” rather than an officially scheduled optional practice.

In the past, other franchises have incurred fines for conducting travel and activities outside the allowed time frames established by the CBA. Some of the young players who participated in the Thursday session included Mavrik Bourque, Logan Stankoven, Wyatt Johnston, Lian Bichsel, Nils Lundkvist, and Thomas Harley.

The monetary penalties imposed for these breaches are directed to the NHL Foundation.